Quick pregame hits before Orioles-Pirates

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 01, 2025, 10:56am

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Tyler O'Neill would have been in today's Orioles lineup except he's dealing with an illness, according to manager Brandon Hyde, who met with the media in Sarasota for his daily pregame dugout session.

O'Neill hit a ball Thursday against the Blue Jays that cleared the concourse in left field for a three-run homer. He didn't make the trip to Fort Myers yesterday, but he wasn't going to play anyway. It didn't raise any red flags.

Starter Charlie Morton also was out of camp recently due to an illness and he made a quick return.

Dylan Beavers is starting in left field today as a late addition to the lineup.

Hyde also said that Jordan Westburg is feeling better and has been cleared for light baseball activities. He isn't swinging a bat because of the soreness in his lower back that's kept him out of the lineup since last Saturday's exhibition opener, but he's able to play catch.

Gunnar Henderson remains shut down this weekend because of soreness in his right side. The concern level remains low since Henderson exited Thursday game after one at-bat.

Henderson raced to his right and leaped to snag Bo Bichette's line drive. He didn't hit the ground but apparently felt the impact of his landing.

The Orioles haven't scheduled an MRI for Henderson.

Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano makes his next start Monday against the Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium. The 1:15 p.m. game will air on MASN.

Dean Kremer opposes the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez Sunday afternoon in Clearwater. The Orioles have the first of their two off-days on Tuesday.